A Smart Meter is a new household piece of equipment now being used by homeowners across the globe instead of having traditional electric meters reader visiting our homes. There are some benefits of this technology, for example, electricity can be monitored in real time using these devices, which leads to more accurate billing and improved energy management. Nonetheless, they generate unseen electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which has raised concerns worldwide on its health implications and has even been banned in some areas.
This blog examines the potential issue of EMR from smart meters and introduces a workable solution: The Grounded Kiwi Smart Meter Cover.
Understanding Smart Meters
Digital utility meters have come a long way since the 1990s when they replaced their earlier analog counterparts. The first AMR (Automated Meter Reading) meters came into use during the mid-1990s after which most analog meters were phased out in favor of them. 2003 marked an important milestone when two-way communication became possible with AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters within AMI network communities. They can send and receive data making them very efficient compared to their one-way counterparts. Furthermore, wireless AMI systems are preferred by most utilities due to their lower cost as well as ease of installation.
Smart Meters are complex gadgets that do not just measure electricity but also send that information back to utility companies using varied frequencies. To best understand how they work and what frequency is emitted by other common electronic devices it is necessary to pinpoint different frequencies used by smart meters.
EMR and Health Concerns
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) refers to energy released by electronic devices like smart meters among others. Even though RF emissions are considered safe by regulatory bodies such as ARPANSA individuals have reported symptoms such as headaches and sleep disturbances while at home or other residential areas with a high number of appliances using RF signals produced by smart meters; this indicates that public opinion differs from scientific consensus hence necessitating further precautionary measures.
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) and Potential Health Risks
With the increasing number of electronic devices like smart meters around us, electromagnetic radiation will be there. However EMR levels from smart meters have been studied by regulatory bodies such as ARPANSA and the World Health Organization (WHO) which maintain that these levels of exposure are considered safe; yet public concerns persist as well as reports suggesting a need for more caution.
Health Concerns and Symptoms
Headaches and Migraines: A lot of people are diagnosed with headaches and migraines after installing a smart meter in their homes. This is usually associated with chronic RF emissions from the device.
Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Exposure to EMR over long periods has been found to disrupt sleep patterns. Insomnia or poor sleep quality can be caused by RF waves.
Neurological Effects: In particular, it is believed that EMR’s affect on people can lead to other conditions like dizziness, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, etc.
General Discomfort: Furthermore, fatigue, anxiety, tinnitus or ringing in ears is not universally acknowledged as a symptom that comes about due to EMR exposure but falls within this category as well.
Scientific Research and Public Perception
However, scientific evidence substantiating these symptoms’ direct connection with smart meters is still lacking although precautionary approaches towards their use are widely accepted.
There are numerous scientific studies that suggest that long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may have an effect on biological systems, possibly relating it to conditions such as cancer, neurological problems and fertility challenges. According to one study in this report, RF exposure may increase oxidative stress in cells leading to DNA damage and cellular dysfunctions. It was also found by the National Toxicology Program that high RF radiation exposure could cause tumors in the heart and brain of male rats. This led to further research into the effects on human health. In another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2017), there were observed links between prolonged EMR exposure and symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, cognitive deficits, etc. A 2011 review article published in the European Journal of Oncology suggested possible link between chronic EMR exposure and cancers like gliomas. These results show that precautionary measures are necessary hence products such as Grounded Kiwi Smart Meter Cover should be available for lessening potential exposure to EMR from smart meters.
Public Concerns: But in spite assurances from scientists that they are safe, people are rightfully so getting worried about their exposure levels to an ever increasing amount of EMR exposure on a daily basis. We are getting an increasing number of people contacting us with concern, so we have produced the Grounded Kiwi Smart Meter Covers which can greatly reduce EMR.
The Grounded Kiwi Smart Meter Cover benefits include:
High-Efficiency Shielding: Constituted from copper, nickel & polyester fiber for a wide range of frequencies blocking as high as 99.8%
Adjustable Fit: Designed for most models of smart meter found all over New Zealand, Australia, UK or Europe
Technical Specs: Can block out between 90-95% emissions of EMF potentially up to 99%.
Installation and Usage
Can be installed in under 1 min and when the meter is covered you will be able to rest easier knowing you have near eliminated another source of EMF from the home
The Grounded Kiwi Smart Meter Cover offers a good solution to minimize EMR emissions. For families concerned about EMR, utilizing such a cover is a prudent step towards enhancing household safety and well-being.
What about if your Smart Meter is located so that you need to protect the wall on the rear of the meter?
We have a RFID blocking tape that can be placed on the wall directly behind the meter. This tape acts like a barrier where the EMR will not penetrate. Some customers use this tape to line a poster and hang it behind the meter to they are not looking at silver tape on the wall.
Is there anything else I can do to help with EMR exposure in the home?
Earthing, also known as grounding, involves direct skin contact with the Earth—like walking barefoot on grass or using grounding devices indoors. Proponents believe it can help mitigate the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure by allowing the body to discharge built-up electrical charges. The Earth's natural electrical charge is thought to stabilize and neutralize free radicals and improve overall electrical stability in the body, which may reduce EMF-related discomfort.
Shungite, is a black, lustrous, non-crystalline mineral known for its high carbon content, found primarily in Russia. Shungite has unique properties that can help protect against electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This belief is based on the theory that shungite's fullerenes (spherical carbon molecules) can absorb and neutralize EMFs.